Articles Tagged withdamages

The month of October is often associated with many fantastical creatures, sights, sounds, and gimmicks. Halloween brings out the fun and quirkiness of many people who decide to dress up and go door to door in an effort to procure (or disseminate) bite size candy bars to various children. Prior to going out and collecting as much candy as humanely possible- children are often warned to not eat any candy until the parents can safely sort through the goodies to determine whether or not the candy is safe. When asked why, children are often regaled with the story of the child who bit into a candy bar only to discover a razor blade hidden within its chocolate center. While this story is more legend than fact- it presents an interesting question as to the liability when an individual bites into a foreign or unexpected objects in food.

In April of 1959, Priscilla Webster went to the Blue Ship Tea Room in an old building on the Wharf in Boston. Ms. Webster was a native of New England at the time of her presence at the Blue Ship Tea Room. As she sat and looked at the menu, she ordered clam chowder and a crabmeat salad. She was told that while the restaurant was out of clam chowder, she could have fish chowder as a substitute. Ms. Webster agreed and was presented with chowder containing haddock, potatoes, milk, water and seasoning. As she ate her bowl of soup she became aware that something was lodged within the confines of her throat. Ms. Webster went to Mass General Hospital where it was discovered that a fish bone was stuck in her esophagus. While she did not have long lasting injuries- she did file a claim against the Blue Ship Tea Room for the bone that caused her pain and injuries.

Ms. Webster claimed, under the Uniform Commercial Code, that the Defendant had a duty as a seller of goods- to make sure that they were reasonably safe and fit for their ordinary purpose (in this case consumption). And due to the fact that there was a bone present in the chowder- liability must attach because bones are not fit for ordinary human consumption. The Defendant argued that as a native resident of New England- Ms. Webster was or should have been aware of items that can be in fish chowder- such as bones. The Court, relying on unusual sources for guidance, mentioned that, Continue reading →

In February of 2007, Mr. Irwin walked his small dog, Peppermint, in his front yard. Mr. Irwin had previously been disabled by stroke and was able to walk only with the assistance of a cane. While Peppermint was doing his daily routine- an unleashed German Shepherd approached the area and came toward Peppermint in his yard. The German Shepherd took Peppermint by the neck and shook him uncontrollably. Mr. Irwin was unable to intervene as he was knocked down in the ensuing chaos. As the owner of the German Shepherd separated the fight, Peppermint ran into the house and was brought to an Emergency Veterinary Center. The small dog was labeled as being in “critical condition” due to the internal injuries he sustained as well as the bruising and dog bites over his body. Emergency surgery was performed that totaled approximately $8,608.05 for treatment.

Mr. Irwin, the Plaintiff, brought suit against the Defendant to recovery veterinary costs that totaled over $8,000.00. The lower court Judge found that these expenses were reasonable and necessary. Defendant appealed claiming that the damages should be “capped” at the market value of the dog, regardless if the expenses for veterinary care exceeded that amount.